The following are excerpts from letters that Friends of Falun Gong USA (a non-profit organization) has received from non-practitioner supporters around the world. We share them in hopes that it will encourage the valiant Falun Gong practitioners struggling for freedom of belief in China, and encourage more supporters to join in our efforts.
Supporters may join Friends of Falun Gong USA free of charge at:
(Clearwisdom editor's note: Some terms are not accurate, but we kept them. For example, "the leaders of the Falun Gong movement". Falun Gong has no leaders.)
QUOTES FROM LETTERS
Our hearts go out to the oppressed, please keep us informed, we will do all we can to end this barbaric situation. We applaud you for your actions.
K.B.
United Kingdom
Persecution and forced labor for peaceful physical and mental exercise? That is like going to a health club and putting the members into jail. Even worse, those who practice Falun Gong haven't turned into rebels and I respect that. They haven't done anything against anybody.
V.G.
I just wish to add my support for the practitioners of Falun Gong in china who are being persecuted for practicing this art. It is an absolute disgrace and if the Chinese government is that insecure to ban this art because of their fear of the unknown, then they should not be in government.
S.O.
County Cork, Ireland
I am so inspired by the effort you seem to put forth into getting people involved... Please send me more info on how and where I can be of service. I will do almost anything and go nearly anywhere to bring this mockery of such a serious situation to an end.
A.M.
Pennsylvania, USA
When my children get older I can tell them that even one person, so far away from a problem, can still make a difference if they try.
J.M.
Ontario, Canada
á
I think that you are doing great work and to keep your issue part of political agendas is very important. You can be sure of my continued support.
A.N.
Dublin, Ireland
Circumstances Like These Usually Bother Me. I Just Feel That The People Have The Right to Believe and Practice What They Choose, Its a Right I Feel Strongly About, and since these People Were Denied That Right, and I Had Noticed I Had a Chance to do Something I felt I Should, So I Went to this website, and Became a Friend, and Signed All The Petitions, and E-Mailed a Letter to The Congressmen concerning This Issue. So This Is A topic I Feel Strongly About.
Thank You and Good Luck,
D.W., teenager
Florida, USA
FULL LETTERS
Dear Friends of Falun Gong,
I would like to express the following to you in the hope it gives you strength to continue your very vital work.
Since first hearing of the situation in China and its Government's treatment of members of the Falun Gong I made a commitment to myself from that day on (almost 4 years ago now) that I would do all I could to support our brothers & sisters in China who were being imprisoned, tortured and executed due simply to their chosen beliefs.
It is the right of all human beings to follow their own chosen path when it poses no threat to their country, others and also oneself.
I live in a society where I am free to think and express myself, love, learn and follow a spiritual path should I choose, however, the situation in China is the complete opposite. Chinese Government rule is that of a suppressive way denying its people their Human Rights, from basic to educational and spiritual. The enforcement of such illegal laws are designed to deny the people of China the fundamental right to self expression and opinion. The rule of law as handed down by the Communist Government of China is that of total suppression of its people and through this I believe that the courage and commitment shown by the Falun Gong in the face of such naked aggression is something that the world must recognise and learn from. When a person is willing to lay down their life because they will/can not rid their mind, heart and soul of a natural belief, a pathway of Spiritual enlightenment which gives comfort, strength and enlightenment, we as the people of the world must ensure that the laying down of their life is remembered, the life of all members of the Falun Gong taken by the Chinese Government must not be forgotten, they have gave the ultimate - themselves - and it beholds us all regardless of creed, colour, culture and status to ensure their life was not taken away in vain. I think each day of the many thousands of Falun Gong who are in Harsh Labour Camps being forced under incredible inhuman conditions to submit to the will of the Chinese Government.
Many tears have fallen from my eyes on having learned of the plight of these gentle, peaceful, loving people, their courage and commitment, and always they respond with words of peace upon their lips towards their aggressors.
Members of the Falun Gong are shining lights emanating from a country of great potential, the people of China have endured such terrible crimes against then and show their worth by keeping on, there is no call for revenge, no words of hatred, or war, the rest of the world can learn by example to follow a path of peace, respect - honour - treasure all whom live among us with compassion truth and love. My thoughts are with all members of the Falun Gong and I will continue to do all I can to support the people of China to follow whatever their chosen path and to support the Falun Gong that they may live without fear from their Government.
With every good wish,
Kindest regards,
A.N.
Dublin, Ireland
Dear Friends of Falun Gong,
My first reaction to what's happening to Falun Gong in China? Outrage. Pure anger that one human can, in this enlightened age, do such things to another. But then I calm. I take a breath, and then another. I try to put myself in the mindset of Jiang Zemin, and others like him. It's a difficult thing to do. But after a time, it comes to me. Fear. That is the motivation that drives men like Jiang Zemin. Fear of a topple from power.
Although the Falun Gong movement in no way threatens his authority, in his eyes they do. For he lacks their compassion and humility, and that which he cannot understand, he fears.
I first emailed the leaders of the Falun Gong movement in the U.S. to give them my support, and to show that those outside the movement can still have great respect for their beliefs, and show solidarity with their purpose.
No, I am not a follower of Falun Gong. To be honest, I am not a follower of anything at this time. I simply believe that all peaceful endeavors and pursuits should be allowed, so long as they harm no one. I cannot think of a more peaceful practice than that of Falun Gong.
M.P.
Idaho, USA
My name is Edvard and I am from Iceland,
I have decided to send this E mail to announce my complete disgust and tell you how ashamed I am for my country today for now at a time that China's president is visiting our country we are denying the followers of Falun Gong the right to protest and speak their mind by stopping them at the airport and locking them up in a nearby school to deny them their right to protest China's lack of human rights.á I want to send my support and say that the majority of Icelanders do not agree with the government's take on this issue.
Best regards,
E.
Iceland
Dear friends,
The decision of the Icelandic government in not allowing Falun Gong members entry into our country [during the Chinese president's visit] is sad and surely does not reflect the will of the people.
The people of Iceland very much welcomes all Falun Gong practitioners.
I am also sure that for every Falun Gong.[practitioner] refused entry, there will be tens of ordinary people protesting instead.
And louder.
With respect,
J.A., Iceland